Jeffrey Whitaker Announcement a Big Score for Auburn, Huge Names Still on Board

On paper, it seems Auburn had four big targets left on the board: Corey Lemonier, Marcus Lattimore, Byran Jones, and Jeffrey Whitaker. Two days before National Signing Day 2010, Auburn narrowed that to three.

It turns out that Whitaker saying his visit to Auburn was a “perfect 10” proved to be enough as he pledged his commitment to the Tigers on Monday. The 6’3’’, 295-pound tackle is ranked as the fifth best DT in the country per Rivals.com. Whitaker participated in the U.S. Army All-American game and is also a four-star prospect by all of the major recruiting sites.

The Warner Robins, Ga. product's decision came down to UGA and Miami pitted against Auburn. Many weren’t sure whether Chizik and Co. could pluck him away from in-state Georgia and new DC Todd Grantham’s 3-4 scheme, where Whitaker would play a huge role.

However, Auburn offers Whitaker early playing time. With his mammoth size, that playing time could result in Whitaker becoming an impact player.

Auburn’s biggest problems on defense this season were getting pressure on the quarterback and the run defense being shaky at many points. With a player like Whitaker, there shouldn’t be many problems since he cannot only harass opposing quarterbacks, but he can also help lock up running backs behind the line.

He’s strong and he’s a difference maker, and once he puts the pen to the paper on Wednesday he’ll be an Auburn Tiger.

This massive defensive tackle was another huge pickup for the Tigers' 2010 class as they look to close with one of the top classes in school history.